Hello everyone!

[Catalina 0]

:clap2: I am very excited about being a member at this forum of bandsters. I had my surgery in March 2003 by Dr. Kuri in Tijuana, Mexico. My post-op went very well and I immediately began to lose weight. After 40 pounds I leveled off, so went down to get my first adjustment. Everything went well and I lost another 20 pounds. Then it all slowed down so I flew back to Tijuana and told them to make it "really tight," which they obliged. By the way, when I say "went down" I mean that I was flying down from remote places in Alaska, places where I couldn't just drive to the doctor or urgent care for help. I was living very remotely, and I'm sure there are others out there who do the same. But this time, my band was so tight, I couldn't sleep at night without regurgitating, which is dangerous. I couldn't hardly drink or eat without pain or throwing up; yet I was not able to get out again for 6 months!

I put up with that condition...and survived, but clearly traumatized. I only lost another 12 pounds and found that I would graze or eat soft foods just to survive. Worse, I sabbotaged my goals by eating high calorie foods. It was rough. Finally, I got back down to Tijuana and had all the Fluid removed. I just needed a break. I thought I would get another adjustment fill in a couple months. But guess what, it took 13 months and a 50 pound weight gain before I found someone in Phoenix who would fill my band. I also have since moved back into the southwest, but I would rather not go back to Tijuana because it's so far. This fill is working VERY well. I am excited. I feel like I am in the honeymoon phase again! I've already lost 7 pounds, more more importantly, I'm feeling the vision again, the drive to stick with it and eat right and learn a new lifestyle. Having resources such as this forum will be helpful, and I'm participating in a support group near by. So, look forward to hearing from you all and getting involved more. Adios! 312-242-296-150.

[kwhenrykerr 0]

Welcome, glad to here that you are doing well. Keep it up.

[jahair 0]

:clap2: I am very excited about being a member at this forum of bandsters. I had my surgery in March 2003 by Dr. Kuri in Tijuana, Mexico. My post-op went very well and I immediately began to lose weight. After 40 pounds I leveled off, so went down to get my first adjustment. Everything went well and I lost another 20 pounds. Then it all slowed down so I flew back to Tijuana and told them to make it "really tight," which they obliged. By the way, when I say "went down" I mean that I was flying down from remote places in Alaska, places where I couldn't just drive to the doctor or urgent care for help. I was living very remotely, and I'm sure there are others out there who do the same. But this time, my band was so tight, I couldn't sleep at night without regurgitating, which is dangerous. I couldn't hardly drink or eat without pain or throwing up; yet I was not able to get out again for 6 months!

I put up with that condition...and survived, but clearly traumatized. I only lost another 12 pounds and found that I would graze or eat soft foods just to survive. Worse, I sabbotaged my goals by eating high calorie foods. It was rough. Finally, I got back down to Tijuana and had all the Fluid removed. I just needed a break. I thought I would get another adjustment fill in a couple months. But guess what, it took 13 months and a 50 pound weight gain before I found someone in Phoenix who would fill my band. I also have since moved back into the southwest, but I would rather not go back to Tijuana because it's so far. This fill is working VERY well. I am excited. I feel like I am in the honeymoon phase again! I've already lost 7 pounds, more more importantly, I'm feeling the vision again, the drive to stick with it and eat right and learn a new lifestyle. Having resources such as this forum will be helpful, and I'm participating in a support group near by. So, look forward to hearing from you all and getting involved more. Adios! 312-242-296-150.

Hi Catalina! Glad to have you on the board. That was a real trial doing the Alaska thing and having to travel so far for fills. It's really good to have you back in the lower 48 and closer to care and support when fills are involved.

Enjoy your "honeymoon" and the good feeling that comes from getting back on track. Keep us posted, please.

Jo Ann

[andreerichards1 4]

Where were u in Alaska??? Im in Whitehorse.

andree

[juliegeraci 7]

Welcome. Sounds like you have had your ups and downs but I'm glad you are back and that things are looking up for you.

[Catalina 0]

Where were u in Alaska??? Im in Whitehorse.

andree

Most of my time was spent on the Yukon River in Galena, Alaska between Fairbanks and Nome. But my work took me all over and I spent a good chunk of time in the Aleutians and more recently in SE in Yakutat. Now there is beauty like a jewel. I've been to Whitehorse and that's beauty too, Interior beauty like Galena was. I traveled on the river by snow machine in winter. Those were good days. Near Whitehorse, relatively speaking, I love Laird Hotsprings. Do you ever go there? Cat

[itsuptome 0]

Good luck and thanks for posting your story. I am curious u said u were being filled in phx, thats where i am (gilbert actually) what dr did u have? I havnt been banded yet but scheduled tuesday (yippy!!!).

[Catalina 0]

Actually I went to a FillCenters USA provider, a Nurse Practitioner who travels to Phoenix twice a month to see patients who need fills but whose surgeons are outside of their living area like me. Even where I live now there are no fill providers within a four hour drive. But if your surgeon is in Phoenix, they will help you with your fills as part of your package. Congratulations on your decision to take control I am in such awe of what we do to make ourselves healther!:clap2: :peace:

[Catalina 0]

I really want to use those neat graphics from tickerfactory.com but when I put my information in and chose my graphic, I can't figure out how to incoporate it into my messages. I guess I don't understand cut and paste. Can anyone tell me how to do it? Thanks! Cat

[itsuptome 0]

yep, I can. u copy the first box after you set up your ticker and then paste it in your signature (under quicklinks) if u need more help just let me know

[Catalina 0]

No, sorry; I can't seem to get a picture. I cut and past the code or words, but only the words get transfered, not the picture. I'm sure it's something real simple, I just don't know what. :help:

[itsuptome 0]

try preview signature, and u are pasting it in the second box right?

[itsuptome 0]

not the upload signature pic? thats what i did first.

[chubbola 0]

wow-hate to change the subject, but good luck with your surgery, ITSUPTOME!!!!!! hope everything goes well!

[itsuptome 0]

Thanks for the encouragment, Im feeling pretty preparedbut a little scared. I am sure that will pass. Have a great day. Julie